Softgoods Engineering Technologist

Position ID: ADV0008CK

Posting Date: March 7, 2024

Location: Houston, TX

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Softgoods Engineering Technologist to join our JETS II contract team at Johnson Space Center.

Responsibilities

The Softgoods Engineering Technologist will:

– Design, develop, and fabricate new and innovative functional softgoods articles for the manned spaceflight program such as stowage solutions, structural inflatables, ancillary space suit equipment, thermal blankets, and general deep space product design
– Clearly and thoroughly present design concepts and considerations
– Collaborate with engineers and designers to understand requirements of working on a variety of systems and hardware
– Take ownership and show initiative to complete softgoods design tasks
– Perform sewing machine maintenance, repair, and custom modifications to tailor the sewing machine for unique stitching operations
– Create patterns and develop mockups for verifying fit and function of softgood articles
– Interpret fabrication drawings to assemble sewn products, and review fabrication drawings before final release for flight fabrication
– Seek new manufacturing techniques and innovative materials
– Occasionally travel to other NASA centers to perform softgoods fabrication and installation
– Ability to lift and transport materials and equipment
– Ability to work in confined spaces, scale steps and ladders
– Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

Requisition Preferences:

– BA, BFA, or BS in Industrial Design or equivalent is desired
– Experienced in aerospace product design processes including ability to read, understand, and create fabrication drawings
– Experienced with fabricating processes for prototyping and flight soft good products
– Experienced in Adobe, AutoCAD, and Rhino CAD software
– Familiar with the NASA/JSC Softgoods design and development and JETS Engineering Life Cycle processes

Requirements

This position has is posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate’s experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position is advertised.

– Typically requires a HS diploma and 5 years of experience or BS in Engineering Technology or related field.
– 3+ years’ experience in a soft goods lab environment with emphasis in soft goods design and fabrication
– Demonstrated capability to independently devise solutions to complex design problems by their own efforts, and by soliciting inputs from other technical experts
– Expertise in a wide range of hands-on fabrication – sewing machines, laser cutters, fabric welders, 3D printers, band saws, drills, etc.
– Demonstrated success working with a team
– Proficiency utilizing Adobe, AutoCAD, and Rhino CAD software

Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines. Prospective candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, and if applicable, a list of relevant publications and research using the contact form below.

US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.

Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.